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16
UV-Enhanced Artificial Synapses Based on WSe2-SrAl2O4 Composites
Qi Sun1, Xin Long1, Chuanwen Chen1
1Center on Nano-Energy Research, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Relativistic Astrophysics, School of Physical Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 24, 2025
Summary
This study introduces an ultraviolet-enhanced artificial synapse using WSe2 and a novel phosphor, improving ultraviolet light response for brain-inspired computing. The new device demonstrates enhanced synaptic plasticity and accurate handwritten digit recognition.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Neuroscience
- Optoelectronics
Background:
- Artificial synapses based on transition metal dichalcogenides offer stability and excellent photoelectric properties.
- Existing devices lack ultraviolet light sensitivity, limiting their application in ultraviolet-triggered synaptic functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an ultraviolet-enhanced artificial synapse by combining WSe2 with a SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ phosphor.
- To investigate the ultraviolet response and synaptic plasticity of the novel WSe2-SrAl2O4 synapse.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a WSe2-SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ based artificial synapse.
- Characterization of the synapse's photoelectric properties under ultraviolet light.
- Evaluation of synaptic plasticity regulation and simulation of learning behavior.
- Implementation of handwritten digit recognition using the artificial synapse.
Main Results:
- The WSe2-SrAl2O4 synapse exhibited a 4-fold enhancement in excitatory post-synaptic current and a 9.7-fold increase in decay time compared to WSe2 alone under 365 nm light.
- The device demonstrated excellent regulation of synaptic plasticity across various parameters (power densities, pulse widths, intervals, numbers).
- Simulated learning behavior showed a forgetting time of 25 s, and handwritten digit recognition achieved 96.39% accuracy.
Conclusions:
- The integration of SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ phosphor significantly enhances the ultraviolet response of WSe2-based artificial synapses.
- This novel ultraviolet-enhanced synapse offers a promising pathway for advanced brain-inspired computing and ultraviolet photoelectric applications.
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